“For many in our region, fishing is a way of life,” said Senator Ken LaValle. “Mandating a license placed a burden on individuals and families who have fished our local waters for generations. I voted against the license law and fee when it was part of the 2009 budget and I’m happy to see the demise of what was essentially a hidden tax.”

Previously, a three-year moratorium on the fee had been secured in the 2011–2012 budget.